Cleaning and maintaining the exterior of your home is an important part of keeping it beautiful for years to come. The siding should be inspected periodically with the following routine maintenance performed as necessary:

Re-fasten any loose siding.

Cut back any trees or shrubs that touch the siding.

Replace any caulking that has hardened, cracked or lost its seal.

Correct the drainage in any spots where water is retained in contact with the siding. Long term contact with water may result in discoloration.

Avoid regularly wetting the siding with lawn sprinklers since water in many locales contains rust or minerals which may discolor the siding’s surface, shorten the life of the paint job and encourage the growth of mildew and fungus.

CLEANING:

Depending on location and climate conditions, siding may be subject to occasional accumulations of dirt, dust, etc.

To keep the siding attractive, periodic washing (every 6 to 12 months) may be in order.

Use clean water and mild detergent, then apply with a cloth, sponge or soft brush (such as a car wash brush). Less streaking will result if the siding is washed from bottom to top. Immediately follow all washing by rinsing thoroughly with clean water from a garden hose.

Never use harsh cleaners, abrasives or strong solvents, which may damage the paint or surface. If the dirt does not wash off it may be mildew or a fungus growth.

Water management is key to protecting every part of your home, including your siding. Each area of the country is affected by moisture, whether it’s an occasional thunderstorm or high levels of rainfall. The resulting water has potential to cause damage if not diverted. We recommend protecting your home from rainfall with gutters and downspouts. And you should always be sure that your drainage system is free of debris and working properly.

LANDSCAPING:

Proper moisture management also involves managing your landscape. Plants hold moisture, so any bushes, trees or other plants that are close to your home should be trimmed periodically. Plants should not come into contact with your siding. Also, sprinkler systems should be adjusted to never saturate areas near your home.

CLEARANCES:

Maintain required clearances and drainage slopes to ensure that moisture is diverted away from your siding at roof lines and ground level. Proper clearances include 1" from concrete, roof lines, patios, etc. and 6" from final grade. Landscaping should not reach the siding.